Heatwave (English band)

Heatwave was a multinational funk, soul, and disco band that achieved considerable popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Formed in 1975 in Germany, the band was notable for its diverse lineup, including musicians from the United States, the United Kingdom, Czechoslovakia, and Spain.

The core members of Heatwave were brothers Johnnie Wilder, Jr. and Keith Wilder, both vocalists. Johnnie Wilder, Jr., was known for his distinctive falsetto voice. The band's instrumental prowess was heavily influenced by songwriter and keyboardist Rod Temperton, who later went on to write hits for Michael Jackson. Other key members included guitarist Eric Johns, bassist Mario Mantese, and drummer Ernest "Bilbo" Berger.

Heatwave's breakthrough came in 1976 with the single "Boogie Nights," which topped the charts internationally. This was followed by other hit singles such as "Always and Forever" (a ballad that became a wedding staple), "The Groove Line," and "Mind Blowing Decisions." Their debut album, Too Hot to Handle (1976), and its follow-up, Central Heating (1978), were both commercially successful.

The band faced tragedy in 1979 when Johnnie Wilder, Jr. was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite this devastating setback, Wilder remained with the band in an advisory role, and Heatwave continued to record and perform with other vocalists. However, they never quite regained their earlier level of success.

Heatwave officially disbanded in the late 1980s. Johnnie Wilder, Jr., passed away in 2006. The band's music continues to be played and appreciated for its infectious rhythms, strong vocals, and sophisticated arrangements that blended funk, soul, and disco elements. Their influence can be heard in later generations of R&B and pop music.